Thursday, July 31, 2014

It's been a long time since I wrote about anything personal here. I bet some of you have noticed that. Others of you may just be used to coming here for book reviews. Tonight though, I write about myself and my life and I hope that you'll read it with as much love as you do my other posts.
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I love quotes. Even on my worst days, it's not uncommon to find me looking for new quotes on a variety of subjects. Tonight, I came across the one posted in the graphic and it made me stop and think about my life and my daily struggles. It was just about 14 months ago that I was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder. Let me tell you that those words brought the strongest combination of fear and relief that I think I've had since Ben was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I finally had a name for what I was going through. With a name, maybe I could find a battle strategy..

Battle..seems like a word that's saved for things like cancer, doesn't it? I guess I was just gung ho about reclaiming my life from something that had been stealing it from me. It took me nearly a year to come to terms with the fact that it would never go away. There is no cure. It is and always will be a part of my regular life. It's taken a year, but slowly I'm taking back my life.

For the first time in probably about four years, my kitchen is nearly scrubbed back to immaculate. My bathroom and laundry room are both about 15-20 minutes away from company ready. My living room is still cluttered, but I'm making progress on it. If you remember, hoarding tendencies came along for the ride so the fact that you can easily navigate the downstairs is a huge deal.

Is life perfect? Oh goodness no, but it's so much better than it was. I've accepted that daily medication is going to be a part of my life for a long time, if not forever. Yes, there will be time when we have to adjust it and yes, the weight that it's helped me to put on will be a fight to get off. However, neither of those things are end of the world things for me anymore. I can accept them, take a deep breath and get back to my life of being a mother, a writer and an editor.

Want to know the best part? I'm feeling strong enough these days that I've reached out to a friend in the blogging world about getting back into writing. I've also reached out to someone in the comic industry about potentially doing some show travelling this next year. Who knows...I might even start getting a small income to help us catch up and get ahead again!

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Jackson Grady met the love of his life. Unfortunately, he
was running drugs for a pimp named Sasha at the time, who asked him to keep an
eye on their new acquisition from Russia, the bedraggled beauty named Portia.
She touched his heart and forced him to confront the kind of man he’d become.

Now, Portia and Jackson both work at The Sugar House. He
continuously looks out for her, and longs for her with his every breath, but
knows he is unworthy of such an angel. What will Portia do to win not only the
heart, but also the body, of the man she loves?

Welcome to the world of The Sugar House, and the men and
women who will fulfill your every fantasy. But can they find a way to fulfill
their own?

The world has no place for men like Jackson, no place for
the kind of man his Grams raised him to be—for heroes or gentlemen. At least
that’s what he believes.

The scars radiating from his shoulder down his chest are the
only physical manifestations of the damage he endured. The VA stitched him up
good, discharged him with honors and sent him on his way, promising to help him
find a job and follow up doctor visits that never came. No, even Afghanistan
had no use for men like him.

Memories shadow over him, threatening to drag him down by
the sleeves. The silence in his apartment buzzes with the cries of long dead
friends. An image of Chuck lying in the sandy street of Ghazni, his arm sliced
clean through, flashes through his mind’s eye.

The sticky blood sprayed across Jackson’s face, but his life
marched forward as Chuck slowly died.

His heart begins to race and his temperature rises as the
fight or flight response kicks in—he was always one to choose fight. He
stretches his back and flexes his fingers, shaking them out to get the blood
flowing again. Circulation does wonders for the human body—when it stops,
that’s when everything goes to shit.

Most of the time, he doesn’t think about the past. He
occupies his nights watching Portia and making sure everyone who works for Miss
Necia is safe.

He inherited the management of the security team when he
took over for Donovan. A good guy, Donovan—the kind you’d value having on your
side in a fight—but also the kind of guy who wore down after too many years
doing work like this.

Jackson has seen too much of human nature to get any further
down. He’s already seen the worst of it. What could the occasional psychopath
do to him after everything he’s witnessed over the last year?

Humanity is a wasted species, taking up far too much space
while killing themselves and the world around them. When pushed to the point,
he finds himself unable to come up with a single reason why the human race
should even continue to exist.

Thoughts like that don’t get him anywhere though, so he
spends his time watching Portia. The glow of her platinum hair lends her
porcelain face a halo, giving him something good and pure to focus on. He makes
sure she’s safe, and keeps his love hidden away until the day she might return
it.

The idea Portia could ever love him back is more than he
could imagine being granted. The gods frowned on him before he ever had a
chance to try. He was born into nothing, and his mama left him nothing. His
Grams tried to give him a better life, but all he managed to do was bring
himself back down to nothing.

And that’s all he’d ever be.

About the Author:

Award
winning author of multi-cultural and transgressive literature, Pavarti K Tyler
is an artist, wife, mother and number cruncher. She graduated Smith College in
1999 with a degree in Theatre. After graduation, she moved to New York, where
she worked as a Dramaturge, Assistant Director and Production Manager on
productions both on and off Broadway. Later, Pavarti went to work in the
finance industry several international law firms. She now lives with her
husband, two daughters and one very large, very terrible dog. She keeps busy
working with fabulous authors as the Director of Marketing at Novel Publicity
and penning her next genre bending novel.

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Whew! This is one hot tamale of a novella! I was given this one and the prior one in the series and I could not put them down! Yes, these are certainly 18+ due to some of the naughtier content, but let me tell you, this author backs up her sex with great storyline. When I finished the book, I just wanted more. In fact, you may find me begging the author to let me review the third novella in this series. I want more of these characters and the amazing lives they're leading. In fact, I would love to see a full length series set in The Sugar House, delving into the type of lifestyle that few of you will ever see.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review..All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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When her friend Julia needed help forming a revenge plan against her ex-boyfriend, Ava was happy to lend a hand. She never expected that in the course of making Liam pay, she'd be the one to fall hard. . .for the one person who was absolutely off-limits. Crushing on the guy who humiliated her best friend is definitely against the girl code.

Besides, Ava has goals. Her life is all about graduating with honors and landing the perfect job. And Liam Bailey—sweet-talking, complicated son of a well-known local politician—isn't part of those plans.

But Liam doesn't give up easily. And he doesn't intend to let their friends' opinions, his parents' disapproval or Ava's past get in the way of what he wants--Ava's heart.

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In this follow up book, Tawdra tells us the story from Ava's side and I loved it just as much as the first book. All of the characters are real and even more so if you've read the first book, Best Served Cold. You can't help but relate to Ava as she worries about breaking the girl code, living up to expectations and whether or not she should change her plans. If you haven't picked up these books, I highly suggest that you skip right over to Amazon and download the Kindle formats..assuming you're as impatient as I am for new books to arrive. ;)

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

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Friday, July 25, 2014

Travelling to her fiancés estate for her forthcoming marriage, Lady Phillipa Frencham counts herself as the happiest of young women. She is to wed Lord Hector Thurston, Baron of West Mead. The only bane in her life is her treacherous brother-in-law to be, Lord Demetrius who takes every opportunity to seduce her. How can she tell Hector of his brother’s ardour for her? To do so could result in a duel and ruin the wedding, even tear the family apart. However, she is unaware that Hector too may not be all he seems; and who is the new comer, the charming Lady Amaryllis Wilbraham?
On her arrival at the Manor, Phillipa receives a threatening note, ‘Marry at Your Peril’ which Hector casually dismisses as a poor joke. Enter the Duke of Denfordshire, who immediately enchanted with Phillipa, is determined to make her his own. Phillipa in turn fights with her heart, and her conscience, as danger besets her from all sides.

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So often we see romances where the woman is with the wrong man and for the wrong reason. It was a lovely change of pace to see one where the lovely lady is with one because they really love them, even if it's the wrong type of love.

This book was filled with amazing imagery and a story that with its humor, excitement and love. Phillipa is certainly a woman of her time, but she's also one who is feisty and knows what it is that she wants. A very good read and for the kindle price, you can't go wrong!

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Thursday, July 24, 2014

After being jilted, practically at the altar, Genie Wainwright heads to Hawaii to escape the well-meant pity party her friends and family are bound to throw on her behalf. What she never expects is to find someone to help her mend her broken heart.
Donnie Taylor, owner of the posh Sapphire Bay Resort, has no interest in marriage—until he meets an unforgettable guest at the hotel. What starts out as a kindhearted gesture brings Donnie something he never expects—love!

Buy on:

About the author:

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sandra Edwards writes award-winning romance in a variety of subgenres such as paranormal (mostly time travel and reincarnation), contemporary, and suspense. She lives in the U.S. (west coast) with her husband, two kids, four dogs and one very temperamental feline. Sandra's books often push the envelope and step outside the boundaries of conventional romance. For more info on Sandra's books, visit her website at www.sandrawrites.com. Sign up for Sandra's NEW RELEASE ALERT at http://bit.ly/1k31XDr.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

New Release!

To what lengths will a man go for the woman he loves?
Reed Dartmouth will learn the answer to those questions time and time again throughout his relationship with Jade Montgomery.
When he first meets her as a young, gentle boy the heartache from losing his mother only a year before is still fresh and painful. Jade is different from anyone else he’s ever met; tough, sassy, and even a bit cruel. But she’s also the same as he is: she knows what it’s like to lose a parent.
Their friendship begins and a bond like no other is formed. Time passes and Reed learns that not only are Jade’s parents dead, they were murdered and she’s made an oath to one day bring them justice. No matter the price.
As they grow older their love evolves but for Jade, old habits die hard and she can’t stop hurting those she loves the most. Even in the midst of searching for her parents’ killers, passion ignites and jealousy burns as Jade tests Reed’s devotion for her. Will she push him too far?

About the author:

Michelle Bellon lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their four children. She drinks ungodly amounts of coffee and has an addiction to chapstick.
She works at a surgery center as a registered nurse and in her spare time writes novels. She writes in the genres of romance suspense, young adult, women’s fiction, and literary fiction. She has won three literary awards.

A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed. Can she forgive the man who left her at the altar? Alyssa Pennington dated Brendan Myers for three years before she accepted his proposal. For almost a year, Alyssa's friends and family helped her plan a lovely wedding to take place in the church she'd grown up in. It was the happiest day of her life when she walked down the aisle to be united with the man of her dreams. But when Brendan left her at the altar, Alyssa was consumed by humiliation, embarrassment, and a broken heart that wouldn't allow her to trust anyone. Especially Brendan. Brendan Myers knows he will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did to Alyssa, the only woman he's ever loved. Without her, his life is empty. In one fateful moment, he'd panicked, destroyed their future, and ruined everything. Now he plans to win her back. But winning back his bride might prove much more difficult than he can imagine. And even if he does get her to the altar again, will she think turnabout is fair play?

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I cannot begin to say how much I've enjoyed this series of books. So, it's no big shock when I was offered this one, I jumped on it. Not only that, but I downloaded it immediately and had it read in a couple of hours. Seriously. Best part? I wasn't disappointed. A July Bride gave me everything I love in a novella. It flowed beautifully, the characters were real and their story one that intrigued me. If you get the chance, pick up this novella and enjoy another love story.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

ver again let the question, “What's for dinner?” stump you. The Chopped Cookbook features secrets for combining pantry staples to make exciting meals.

If you’ve ever looked into your fridge, hoping for inspiration to strike, let The Chopped Cookbook help you shake up weeknight dinners. Just as each basket on Chopped has many tasty possibilities, so, too, do the contents of your refrigerator. By showing you how to spin your favorite ingredients into 188 fun, doable, and delicious recipes—including go-to guides for making salad dressings and pan sauces, four-ingredient market baskets that can go in many tasty directions, and ideas for ways to reinvent pasta dinners—the culinary masterminds at Food Network set you up for mealtime victory every night.

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I have a major weakness for cookbooks. Just ask the bookshelves in my kitchen! So, when the opportunity came up to review this one, I couldn't resist. I'm a big fan of the show. Now, if you're also a fan of the show, you're probably worried that this book is filled with recipes with insane ingredients like they use. I am happy to report that I didn't see a single ingredient that I haven't used in recipes before. Whew! Plus, nearly every recipe includes a gorgeous photo of the completed food. I loved the fact that it gave a list of ingredients that could add specific types of flavor to your food. It also includes a great section on how to choose fresh fruits and veggies. If you love to eat, love to cook and love food porn..or heck, any of the above, I highly recommend this cookbook!

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

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Monday, July 21, 2014

In Hollywood during the Roaring Twenties, Celeste DuFrane has it all. Her father’s work with color movie film opens doors that lead to the stardom she’s always aspired to. But after losing her mother, she discovers that half the estate has been left to a woman accused of killing Celeste’s baby sister before Celeste was even born.

Dana Lundgren arrives on the steps of the DuFrane mansion having spent most of her life imprisoned for a crime that never happened. After accusing her of murder so many years ago, why did Marguerite DuFrane leave her a sizeable inheritance?

As Celeste and Dana learn each other’s stories, they come up with more questions than answers. Then a surprising discovery begins to fill in the missing pieces: Marguerite DuFrane’s written confession, penned shortly before her death. Uncovering the treachery and deceit that changed the course of countless lives—most of all, their own—the two women find more than they ever dreamed of.

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This was one of those books that it took me nearly a week to get through. It's told from multiple viewpoints, so I would finish a section and then put it down for the night. I think this gave me a chance to process each twist and turn in the story. It certainly wasn't because I was ever bored! The story held me right up until the final page. The story was a complex one and the author did an amazing job of weaving years of deceit, hate, adultery and other sins into a complex web that was somehow fully rewoven into something beautiful by the end of the book.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Friday, July 18, 2014

Sit down with Kirk Cousins, record-setting Michigan State University quarterback and 2012 draft pick of the NFL’s Washington Redskins. In Game Changer, Cousins gives readers an inside look at his life—as experienced under the bright lights of college and professional football—and how he puts his faith and values into action, both on and off the field.

Featuring:

Personal stories and struggles of a competitive Christian athlete
Truthful discussion of media hype and modern sports culture
Reflections on honesty, humility, hard work, privilege, and responsibility
Life principles for winning choices on and off the field

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My oldest son is a huge Kirk Cousins fan so when I saw this book, I got it more for him than I did for myself. We were blessed to actually attend Kirk's last game at MSU. It's something that Ben still talks about. He hasn't had a chance yet to read this book, but I know it's going to be his first choice as soon as he finishes his current summer reading book and even though he has some learning difficulties, I know he's going to devour it. Kirk writes in an easy to follow style and does more than talk about football (though there's a lot of that too!). He talks about his journey and how his faith has helped him. While he says he doesn't want to push the religious aspect too much, he does talk about it a lot, so don't say you haven't been warned. Overall, a great, easy read and one that I think many will enjoy.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

It's official. This case is above her pay grade--and Cate's in over her head.

Cate Kinkaid arrives at H&B Vintage Auto Restorations to give a friend a ride. But, as usual, trouble finds Cate even there--this time in the form of one dead man, one wounded man, and what appears to be a pretty obvious case of self-defense.

Despite having been merely an unfortunate bystander, Cate finds herself sucked into the case. And the deeper she gets, the more she begins to suspect that the shooting in the H&B office may not have been as cut-and-dried as it appeared.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney takes you on wild ride in this clever cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.
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While I love a good mystery, this one didn't really grab me. I found Cate to be a rather inept private investigator that really was in over her head. I'm not sure she would have solved the case if it weren't for a lot of help. That being said, I did enjoy the characters and chuckled over the interactions between her cat and the victim's dog. I didn't tell my cats just how great a house Cate's cat lived in because let's be honest, I was envious enough for all of us. Also, while I found Cate to really need some further training, I did really enjoy the story barring that part...so I'm going to say this is a pretty good book but probably not one that I'll read over and over again.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Naomi King, soft spoken, loyal, and easily overlooked, has a gift. She sees what others can't see. Intuition, she calls it. Others in Stoney Ridge don't know what to make of it and dismiss her hunches and inklings altogether.

When a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with a shocking secret about Tobe Schrock, Naomi fears the worst. She can't ignore the feeling that something sinister is at work-- something more than a threat to the tenuous love begun between her and Tobe.

As signs mount, they begin to point to Jake Hertzler, the elusive mastermind behind Schrock Investments' downfall. Soon, events spiral hopelessly out of control and Naomi must decide whether to listen to her head or her heart.

In this riveting conclusion to The Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and just the right dose of romance.

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Suzanne Woods Fisher never disappoints. Being the final book in this series, it doesn't work as a stand alone, but don't let that stop you! Just pick up the whole series and read the other ones first! This book does a great job at wrapping up the loose ends that have dangled. The characters are so well developed that you honestly feel as if they're people that you know or that you wished were your own neighbors. If I had a complaint, it would be that the series is over. I want to know what happens with Mim and with Bethany. With any luck, there will be a whole new series as they find themselves and they find love.
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In The Revealing, the riveting conclusion to the Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and just the right dose of romance.Suzanne is celebrating by giving away THREE iPads!

THREE grand prize winners will receive:

An iPad

The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Five second place winners will receive:

The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 20th. All winners will be announced July 21st at Suzanne's blog. AND ... if you're looking for more in the Inn at Eagle Hill series, be sure to pick up the ebook novella, The Rescue, for just $1.99!

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

Suzanne is also giving away two 10-book mystery prize packs!

One of the major themes of The Revealing is learning to trust your intuition and instincts. These are God-given qualities that we sometimes are too timid or unsure of to act on. For a chance to win one of the 10-book prize packs, leave a comment on this blog and share about a time when your intuition or instinct saved the day—or a time you ignored it and missed an opportunity.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 21st to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.

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Tuesday, July 8, 2014

When the flush of victory fades, there remains a winding road to an uncertain future.

World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are joyfully welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline craves a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be. And Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.

Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.

Award-winning and bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you back to Rosey Corner for a heartfelt story that closes the distance between the things that were and things that can yet be.

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

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I fell in love with this book from the very first page. Four sisters so very different in nature and yet all affected by the war in some way. I laughed, I cried, I celebrated and I mourned. This was my first book by Ann Gabhart, but I don't think it's going to be my last. The characters were well developed and their stories will suck you in and hold you until the end. I think I saw a bit of myself in each and every one of the sisters and because of that, the book touched me that more deeply.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Araina’s isolated teenage life is forever altered when she witnesses a man emerge through a rippling wall into the dark labyrinth she calls home. As a result of the stranger’s arrival, Araina’s Creators have unleashed a series of magical attacks using the labyrinth against its inhabitants. Now Araina must decide if she will trust potentially deceitful allies in order to reach safety on the other side of the labyrinth wall.
The Labyrinth Wall is the story of a young woman who discovers that although labyrinth walls confine her and her enemies try to repress her, the power of hope can set her free.
Will the walls that confine her be the walls that set her free?
Young Adult Fantasy Novel. Hit #2 on the Amazon Best Seller list in its category the day after release and hit #26 on the Top 100 Amazon Free Best Seller List. Only $.99
Grab it today

Meet the Author:

Though she was born in Germany and raised in Turkey until the age of five, Emilyann Girdner spent the majority of her grade school years in Tallahassee, Florida. She discovered early she had a love for stories. Reading books, watching movies and then acting them out with friends or toys gave living an extra flavor. This is likely why she spent the first part of her college career studying Creative Writing, before switching to Graphic Design and then graduating with a BFA in Digital Art from Missouri State University in 2011. Her writing has appeared on websites and blogs including Center for Work Life, Easter Seals Florida, MU Museum of Art & Archaeology's Musings and Examiner.com. She is best known for her Amazon Best-Selling novel, The Labyrinth Wall. Emilyann is now living and working in Florida.
Given her three focus transitions as an undergraduate, it isn't a shock that she is a multi-medium lover, exploring writing, digital art, photography and design. She finds that her creativity is most fluent when given the opportunity to bounce between artistic outlets.
To truly understand this Author, there are two things to know about her. Emilyann hopes to share a love for others and God in all she does. She believes that imagination sparks beauty in the soul.

Monday, July 7, 2014

It takes a reality TV show for Wynne to realize love isn't just a game.

Wynne Hardy never thought she'd get engaged on a reality TV show, but when she met Andy on The Rejection Connection, the two of them hit it off. Now he's asked her to marry him, much to the public's delight and fascination. They're all set to wed on live TV in a seaside ceremony at the height of the wedding season.

But just as Wynne thinks all her dreams are coming true, her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life at the worst possible time. Steve broke her heart years ago, and she's still sorting through her feelings for him. Her heart isn't as clear as her head that it's past time to move on-even though she's engaged to Andy.

At a local TV talk show appearance, Wynne meets Meredith, who won another reality TV show-Marathon Mom-proving herself nothing short of a superhero. As Wynne's beach wedding plans spin out of control, Meredith offers to help, unknowingly stepping on Wynne's secret feelings . . . and exposing some secrets Meredith has been keeping to herself. Can these two reality stars get real about their feelings? Will Wynne go through with her televised wedding and be the perfect June bride the network is looking for?

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Another quick and easy read, but I confess to not loving this one as much as I did the others in the series. It just felt under developed and truth be told, I think that it would have made a fantastic full length novel. Sadly, there were just too many unanswered questions.. Why did Wynne and Callum break things off? Why did she choose Andy on the show? Why did she let things go so far when she was so unsure? I'd love to see this expanded out into a full length novel that allows the characters to develop and for the reader to really get to know them. All in all, not a bad read, but not a favorite.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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Saturday, July 5, 2014

She thinks she has prepared for her wedding all her life . . . but it seems she may have forgotten the most important part.

Ellie Martin, a country girl in Atlanta, has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life-a wedding just like the one her younger sister is planning back home. Their single mom will pay for Alexa's wedding, but Ellie started her own wedding fund years ago. She only needs to find a groom.

At a wedding at her church, Ellie bumps into a man who's one of the guests. She's noticed him around the neighborhood, but today he introduces himself as Gray Whitby. They embark on a whirlwind romance, but her mother doesn't trust freewheeling men like Gray.

When Ellie risks her own future for her sister's sake, Gray feels betrayed. Will he always play second fiddle to Ellie's family?

Will Ellie and Gray reconcile their differences so her dream wedding can come true, or will the romance they've begun come crashing down?

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I am completely adoring this series of novellas. I swear that as soon as I'm handed one, I've devoured it in a couple of hours. They're all really easy reads and as someone who can't resist a bit of romance, they've certainly not let me down. I loved every moment of this book. I loved how Ellie and Gray met and I loved how he encouraged her to be strong, even though he sometimes came across as a bit of a bully about it. My favorite character? Certainly not Ellie's mom...but the pastor at the church where Ellie sneaks in to do some gardening. If you haven't read this one yet, pick it up and find out just how sweet he really is.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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An unwed Amish woman yearns for real love and a family. The only thing in her way is the shame she’s been carrying for half of her life.

Thirty-one-year-old Carolyn Lapp has never been married—but she’s been a mother for fifteen years. In a community with strict standards and a long memory, Carolyn knows she might never find a man who will have her and her son, Benjamin.

Carolyn’s family tries to marry her off to a widower with a daughter who needs a mother. A marriage of convenience doesn’t sound so bad, yet despite her loneliness, Carolyn knows what she really wants: a traditional Amish family and a marriage for love.

When Benjamin gets into trouble at an auction, he finds himself beholden to a handsome horse breeder named Joshua Glick. Joshua and Carolyn feel an instant attraction, and soon a romance is budding between them. The trouble is Joshua believes Benjamin is Carolyn’s nephew, not her son.

After years of shame and loneliness, Carolyn suddenly has two men vying for her attention. Can either man give her the family—and the unconditional love—she longs for? Or will her past once again sabotage the future she wants?

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Every so often I get a sneak peak at a book that hasn't been released yet and I'm like a kid in a candy store. A Mother's Secret was a book that gave an entirely new insight into a culture that has long fascinated me. What happens when a young girl makes a mistake? I won't tell you the answer because I don't want to spoil anything for you, but I will encourage you to pick up this book and find out for yourself. My only complaint? One of the questions in this book wasn't answered, but as this is a book that's part of a series, I expect that it will be answered in the book to come. With any luck, I'll have the opportunity to review it so I can find out!

Don't miss the newest offering in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series from Amy Clipston, A Mother's Secret. An unwed Amish woman yearns for real love and a family. The only thing in her way is the shame she’s been carrying for half of her life. The novel received 4-1/2 stars from Romantic Times and was chosen as a Top Pick.

Amy is celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway.

One winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire

Books 1 and 2 in the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series, A Hopeful Heart and A Mother's Secret.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 6th. Winner will be announced July 7th on Amy's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Amy's blog on July 7th to see if you won.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are my own.
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